📽 Learn from Indonesia's tech experts in these Mekari Talks episodes.
From learning to code in informal ways to handling side projects, we got it all covered!
It might not come as a surprise, but the Tech industry is one of the top industries where impostor syndrome thrives. Due to intelligence being valued so highly and even worshipped, tech workers often find themselves in self-doubt drowning in insecurities.
Once in a while, it’s important to step back and look to other tech practitioners for advice on things like staying grounded, brushing up your basics, and strengthening the foundation of your skills.
Victim from the get-go
Before one even begins their career in tech, they will most likely already be faced with challenges on how to gain self-confidence and reach their career goals. For most, it manifests in wanting to learn how to code without having an engineering degree.
In Mekari Talks Vol. 5 with Hilman Ramadhan (@hilmanski), the @sekolahkoding Founder shared his tips on how anyone can start their journey in becoming a software engineer without a college degree:
Ways to Start Programming
Self-taught. With the abundance of resources online, we are encouraged and facilitated to explore and learn on our own. But, do not forget to also look for mentors and help from others when feeling stuck.
Bootcamp. There are many types of bootcamp-like programs out there. Most are paid, but some also offer scholarships. A plus if it’s conducted offline, so you could network while learning.
Communities. Once you’re decided on the first step to start, a very important part of learning to code is the presence of community. Attend both online and offline sharing sessions whenever possible.
Tips on Finding the Right Resources Online
Do not base your learning materials on others’ preferences or the currently-popular formats.
Combine multiple learning formats for maximum understanding, such as video forms and written forms.
Most of the time, the top easiest websites for learning are still Google and YouTube.
Find the right keywords. “Software engineer” is a way-too-broad term, be more specific and look for topics such as design website, how to develop iOS products, etc.
Online resources will help you learn the basic logics. But, it is important to put them into practice. Look for projects or even start them yourself whenever you have the chance.
Watch the full Mekari Talks session on IGTV here and find more insights, including why a sense of community is important in learning to code.
Side hustle to stay grounded
When feeling overwhelmed with insecurities and self-doubt at work, it is encouraged for tech workers to find an outlet to relieve their work stress. One of the most popular ways is by having a side project.
Though it can be tricky, side projects actually can prevent burnout instead of causing it. Aria Rajasa (@rajasa), CTO of Karya Karsa, has previously shared his tips on how to avoid the boomerang effect of side projects:
Make sure what you’re responsible for in your side project is NOT something that’s causing you stress at your main job.
Do not start on other people’s terms. Confirm with yourself that the reasoning that you have to start the project is not to ‘please others’.
Have no expectations. Not all side projects have to be profitable. In fact, it can turn into stress when you’re focusing on the ROI.
Take the lessons learned. Every single project will have their own valuable silver linings to take away from.
Avoid giving yourself unrealistic deadlines. Having big goals is key, but remember to weigh the pros and cons before taking on a task.
Learn more about utilizing side projects to your advantage, including the most common reason people start side projects, in the full Mekari Talks episode here.
Mekari Talks is a series of casual IG Live sessions conducted by Mekari for young professionals, discussing various contemporary issues around personal growth and productivity.
Follow us on Instagram to catch our next Mekari Talks episodes!